I’m slightly rooting for Raptors. But like a minute left, they were up by ten, and I was a bit nervous, because ten-to-zero run in sixty seconds is totally realistic for the Warriors.

Raptors

· Leonard – had an alright game. There were moments when I was sure the ball was about to go out of bounds, but Kawai’s “Claw” grabbed the ball. (Nike made a Claw logo, looks cool, but then Kawai switched to New Balance.)

· Danny Green – had an alright game, knocked down a couple threes, played some decent defense.

· Siakam – lanky, tall, moves well, HUSTLES had a monster game.

· VanVleet – short, undrafted, pestered Curry into “poor” shooting.

· Lowry – point guard, evidently has taken more charges than anyone this season.

GoldenState

· Durrant – did not play (injury a couple weeks ago)

· Curry – “off” night (44% from three point)

· Thompson – got frustrated at a call, threw ball back at the ref, but ref didn’t see, and was T-ed up for hitting ref in the back with a ball.

MyBetterHalf and I watched a bit of the second half. I kept thinking, it’s close, Spurs would be winning if Kawhi Leonard was healthy. Wait for it. And it would be a Warriors blow out if Steph Curry was healthy.

Kevin Love: “Please don’t send me back there! I’ll be fine by the second round of the playoffs. I promise. I’ll come back like Mr Reed did in ’70.”

Kyrie: “who’s Reed?”

LeBron, glowering at Kyrie: “Read. A. Book.”

LeBron turning to Kevin: “You played with Westbrook at UCLA, what do you think?”

KevinLove: “Sir, I don’t think Westbrook would fit in with the Cleveland system. If I may, Sir. How difficult is it to be a point guard in the Cleveland System? The density of your play warps space time to make it easier to get assists, by passing to you, or have an open three because you’re double teamed. And…”

LeBron: “You just make that up? That space-time thing?”

KevinLove: “No sir, been think about it a while. I was reading books, like you told me to, and I was reading Stephen Hawking, and…”

LeBron: “It’s stupid.”

KevinLove: “I’ll never mention it again. I forgot, this team is not about any one player. We are here to win a championship for the wonderful city of Cleveland.”

My Father-in-law is too kind to me, and had NBA games on the main TV all Christmas Day.

Wizards – Knicks…. Oh the mess that is the NY Knickerbockers. Why did Phil Jackson that the job as president ? Did he look at the roster, did he notice the bloated payroll? Why did he pick a rookie coach?

Thunder – Spurs…. Spurs missing Kawhi, Thundering missing Durant.

Cavs – Heat … Caves are still getting to know each other, while Heat have basically been together four years. What? Bosh didn’t play. Hmmm…Heat still pretty good.

Lakers – Bulls… Kobe sat out, because “I’m old “. Team did alright… Well, not really.

Warriors – Clippers….Father In Law joked, five years ago who would’ve thought we would want to see these two teams. This was a fun game to watch. MsS asked who I wanted to win. I huts wanted a close game…it was until the end.

Boxing Day

Rockets v Grizzlies… MrG’s favorite team is the Rockets, because James Harden is his favorite player. I’m partial to Griz, because I like Zebo and Gasol. But Josh Smith… Talented, not thriving with previous team, maybe he’ll work out for Rockets. I hope so.